Month: August 2016

Going west -a final glimpse

The Silent Eye We were much later than planned leaving St Davids. All of us had a long way to go before we would be home as we had come together from the far-flung corners of the land. The weather was foul, with heavy sea-mist and rain making driving difficult so we chose the back roads instead of the motorway… it would take longer, … Read More Going west -a final glimpse

French Postcards 4

We began yesterday with twin objectives – Bernie to buy some previously spotted presents from the lovely craft shops that adorn many of Carcassonne’s tiny streets; and I to take advantage of the clear and stark light of early morning to get a final set of shots from the interior of the ancient, walled city.  There were few people around as we agreed our … Read More French Postcards 4

Going west – a simple man

The Silent Eye Behind the High Altar of St Davids Cathedral there was once an empty space, open to the winds. In the early 1500s, Bishop Edward Vaughan created a chapel there which, for me, is the loveliest part of the cathedral. The Holy Trinity chapel seems to be a very simple space of hewn stone; such is the sense of harmony there that … Read More Going west – a simple man

Summer storm

French Postcards 3

The old Carcassone is gloriously medieval, but much restored. Walking thorough its streets at night – with thousands of others – gives you the feeling of how ‘protected’ its former inhabitants must have felt; and how lucky, to have such a home in savage times.  Step outside its walls to take the twenty minute walk down the winding road and across the river Aude … Read More French Postcards 3

The Unseen Sea – 3: the hand of time

LUCA reaches out… The Silent Eye Part Three of The Unseen Sea: adrift in the enneagram The busy square is suddenly hushed. He watches as the four-year old girl with the golden hair runs ahead of her mother towards him. “Grandad! I beat mummy!” she says, gleefully, climbing on his knee. The constant pain from the arthritis makes him wince – she is getting … Read More The Unseen Sea – 3: the hand of time

Going west – the painted church

Way Old Time…

Originally posted on Stuart France:
* ‘Of circular possibilities’… ** ‘Eyeing the Chasm’… ** ‘Extending a welcome’… * * ‘An Other Time’… ** ‘Presence is everything’… ** ‘Two O’Clock Shadow’… ** ‘There was an Old Woman’… * * ‘Who looked out’… * * ‘Through a Shoe’…

French Postcards 2

Two of the most welcome sights after a long, hot journey by train: the destination station – Carcassonne; and our own hotel room key! Relaxation for two days, then the bikes arrive and we can start pedalling. Ironically, the TGV from Paris travelled our cycling route to Sète in reverse, so we got a clear view of the landscape ahead of us. We’ll need … Read More French Postcards 2

Going west – a wounded church

The Silent Eye It has been a week or more since the last post about our recent workshop in Wales… illness got in the way of finishing the series, but it would be a shame not to share the interior of the Cathedral at St Davids… I had barely raised the camera to start photographing the interior of the great cathedral at St Davids … Read More Going west – a wounded church

French postcards 1

Overnight in a gloriously sunny Paris. Gare de Lyon station in all its glory. Next stop Carcassonne to begin our cycling holiday. TGV journey awaits!  ©Stephen Tanham 2016

Canal du Midi – we’re off!

Bernie and I are off for a couple of weeks to France. After a rail journey via Paris, we’ll be cycling from Carcassonne along the route of the last two hundred kilometres of the Canal du Midi, which cuts across southern France from west to east, emerging at the Port of Sète on the Mediterranean sea. The holiday is arranged by Headwater Holidays. We’ve used … Read More Canal du Midi – we’re off!